Branched hose construction, joint construction and part therefor, and methods of making same

ABSTRACT

A branched hose construction, a joint construction, a part for the joint construction and methods of making the same are provided, the branched hose construction comprising a first tubular member having an opening therein intermediate the opposed ends thereof, a second tubular member, and a joint construction comprising a tubular insert joining one of the ends of the second tubular member to the opening by having one end of the tubular insert disposed through the opening and the other end thereof interconnected to one end of the second tubular member whereby the tubular members are in fluid communication with each other through the tubular insert and the second tubular member branches outwardly from the first tubular member, the joint construction comprising a washer-like member telescoped on the tubular insert and cooperating with the one end of the tubular insert in mechanically clamping the one tubular member therebetween completely around the opening thereof.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a divisional patent application of its copendingparent patent application, Ser. No. 709,962, filed Mar. 8, 1985 U.S.Pat. No. 4,637,638.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates to an improved branched hose construction and toa joint construction for forming such a branched hose construction aswell as to an improved part for such a joint construction and to methodsof making the constructions and part thereof.

2. Prior Art Statement

It is known to provide a branched hose construction comprising a firsttubular member provided with opposed ends, a second tubular memberprovided with opposed ends, the first tubular member having an openingtherein intermediate the opposed ends thereof, and a joint constructioncomprising a tubular insert provided with opposed ends joining one ofthe ends of the second tubular member to the opening by having the oneend of the tubular insert disposed through the opening and the other endthereof interconnected to the one end of the second tubular memberwhereby the tubular members are in fluid communication with each otherthrough the tubular insert and the second tubular member branchesoutwardly from the first tubular member. For example, see FIGS. 2 and 3of the magazine article entitled "The Automotive Spouted Hose: AnOpportunity For Improved Design Flexibility" in the December 1983 issueof Automotive Elastomers And Design on pages 12-14 thereof.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is one feature of this invention to provide an improved branched hoseconstruction wherein a new joint construction of this invention isutilized to join one end of a tubular member to an opening formed inanother tubular member intermediate the opposed ends thereof so that thetwo tubular members are joined together in a branched relation thereof.

For example, it was found according to the teachings of this invention,that a tubular insert can have one end thereof disposed through anopening of a tubular member and can telescopically receive a washer-likemember thereon which cooperates with the one end of the tubular insertin mechanically clamping an annular portion of the tubular membertherebetween completely around the opening thereof to provide aneffective connection thereto which permits another tubular member to beinterconnected to the other end of the tubular insert whereby thetubular members are secured together in a branched relation thereof.

For example, one embodiment of this invention provides a branched hoseconstruction comprising a first tubular member provided with opposedends, a second tubular member provided with opposed ends, the firsttubular member having an opening therein intermediate the opposed endsthereof, and a joint construction comprising a tubular insert providedwith opposed ends joining one of the ends of the second tubular memberto the opening by having one end of the tubular insert disposed throughthe opening and the other end thereof interconnected to the one end ofthe second tubular member whereby the tubular members are in fluidcommunication with each other through the tubular insert and the secondtubular member branches outwardly from the first tubular member, thejoint construction comprising a washer-like member telescoped on thetubular insert and cooperating with the one end of the tubular insert inmechanically clamping the one tubular member therebetween completelyaround the opening thereof.

Accordingly, it is an object of this invention to provide an improvedbranched hose construction having one or more of the novel features ofthis invention as set forth above or hereinafter shown or described.

Another object of this invention is to provide an improved method ofmaking such a branched hose construction, the method of this inventionhaving one or more of the novel features of this invention as set forthabove or hereinafter shown or described.

Another object of this invention is to provide an improved jointconstruction for a branched hose construction, the joint construction ofthis invention having one or more of the novel features of thisinvention as set forth above or hereinafter shown or described.

Another object of this invention is to provide an improved method ofmaking such a joint construction, the method of this invention havingone or more of the novel features of this invention as set forth aboveor hereinafter shown or described.

Another object of this invention is to provide an improved tubularinsert for such a joint construction, the tubular insert of thisinvention having one or more of the novel features of this invention asset forth above or hereinafter shown or described.

Another object of this invention is to provide an improved method ofmaking such a tubular insert, the method of this invention having one ormore of the novel features of this invention as set forth above orhereinafter shown or described.

Other objects, uses and advantages of this invention are apparent from areading of this description which proceeds with reference to theaccompanying drawings forming a part thereof and wherein:

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a fragmentary perspective view of one embodiment of theimproved branched hose construction of this invention.

FIG. 2 is an enlarged, fragmentary, cross-sectional view taken on line2--2 of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a fragmentary cross-sectional view taken on line 3--3 of FIG.2.

FIG. 4 is a fragmentary, exploded perspective view of the branched hoseconstruction of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a view similar to FIG. 1 and illustrates another embodiment ofthe improved branched hose construction of this invention.

FIG. 6 is an enlarged, fragmentary, cross-sectional view taken on line6--6 of FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 is a fragmentary, cross-sectional view taken on line 7--7 of FIG.6.

FIG. 8 is an enlarged fragmentary portion of part of the structureillustrated in FIG. 7.

FIG. 9 is a fragmentary, exploded perspective view of the parts of thebranched hose construction of FIG. 5.

FIG. 10 is a view similar to FIG. 7 and illustrates another embodimentof the improved branched hose construction of this invention.

FIG. 11 is a fragmentary, enlarged portion of part of the structureillustrated in FIG. 10.

FIG. 12 is an exploded perspective view of two of the parts of the jointconstruction of the branched hose construction of FIG. 11.

FIG. 13 is a view similar to FIG. 1 and illustrates another embodimentof the improved branched hose construction of this invention.

FIG. 14 is an enlarged, fragmentary, cross-sectional view taken on line14--14 of FIG. 13.

FIG. 15 is a fragmentary, cross-sectional view taken on line 15--15 ofFIG. 14.

FIG. 16 is an exploded perspective view of the various parts of thejoint construction of the branched hose construction of FIG. 13.

FIG. 17 is a side view of another embodiment of the improved branchedhose construction of this invention.

FIG. 18 is an enlarged, fragmentary, cross-sectional view taken on line18--18 of FIG. 17.

FIG. 19 is a view similar to FIG. 17 and illustrates another embodimentof the improved branched hose construction of this invention.

FIG. 20 is a view similar to FIG. 17 and illustrates another embodimentof the improved branched hose construction of this invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

While the various features of this invention are hereinafter illustratedand described as being particularly adapted to provide a branched hoseconstruction for automotive use, it is to be understood that the variousfeatures of this invention can be utilized singly or in variouscombinations thereof to provide a branched hose construction for otheruses as desired.

Therefore, this invention is not to be limited to only the embodimentsillustrated in the drawings, because the drawings are merely utilized toillustrate some of the wide variety of uses of this invention.

Referring now to FIGS. 1-4, one embodiment of the improved branched hoseconstruction of this invention is generally indicated by the referencenumeral 30 and comprises a first tubular member 31 provided with opposedends 32 and 33 which can extend to any desired length as is obvious, asecond tubular member 34 provided with opposed ends 35 and 36 which canalso extend to any desired length, and a joint construction of thisinvention that is generally indicated by the reference numeral 37 andcomprising a tubular insert 38 provided with opposed ends 39 and 40 thatcan extend to any desired length and joining the one end 35 of thesecond tubular member 34 to an opening 41 formed in the first tubularmember 31 intermediate the opposed ends 32 and 33 thereof by having theone end 39 of the tubular insert 38 disposed through the opening 41 andthe other end 40 thereof interconnected to the one end 35 of the secondtubular member 34 whereby the tubular members 31 and 34 are in fluidcommunication with each other through the tubular insert 38 and thesecond tubular member 34 branches outwardly from the first tubularmember 31 as illustrated, the joint construction 37 also comprising awasher-like member 42 telescoped on the tubular insert 38 andcooperating with the one end 39 of the tubular insert 38 in mechanicallyclamping the one tubular member 31 therebetween completely around theopening 41 thereof in a manner hereinafter set forth whereby it canreadily be seen that this invention provides a unique method of formingthe unique branched hose construction 30 illustrated in FIGS. 1-4.

While the tubular members 31 and 34 can be formed of any suitablematerial to comprise flexible hoses for transporting hot, pressurizedcoolant for an automotive engine with the parts 38 and 42 of the jointconstruction 37 of this invention also being formed of any suitablematerial for this purpose, such as metallic material, plastic material,etc., it is to be understood that the materials for the tubular members31 and 34 and the joint construction 37 can be so selected as to becompatible with a particular fluid system utilizing the same. Therefore,the aforementioned magazine article "The Automotive Spouted Hose: AnOpportunity For Improved Design Flexibility" appearing on pages 12-14 ofthe December 1983 issue of Automotive Elastomers And Design is beingincorporated into this disclosure by this reference thereto as the samesets forth specific materials for the tubular members and the jointconstruction for the particular automotive uses thereof, whereby afurther description of the materials and uses of the various embodimentsof the branched hose construction of this invention need not be furtherdescribed.

The tubular insert 38 of this invention has the one end 39 thereofdefined as an annular flange 43 that has an outer surface means 44 whichis adapted to engage and mate with the internal peripheral surface 45 ofthe tubular member 31 that defines a substantially circular transversecross-sectional configuration as illustrated in FIG. 2 whereby theannular flange 43 of the tubular insert 38 is substantiallysaddle-shaped as illustrated in FIG. 4 and has an outer periphery 46which is larger than the diameter of the substantially circular opening41 that is formed in the tubular member 31.

However, when assembling the tubular insert 38 to the tubular member 31,the annular flange 39 can be forced through the opening 41 in a mannerthat is similar to a button being forced through a cooperatingbuttonhole because the tubular member 31 can be stretched and flexed topermit the annular flange 43 to be readily worked through the opening 41and thereby have the surface means 44 thereof disposed against theinternal surface means 45 of the tubular member 31 as illustrated inFIGS. 2 and 3.

The outer periphery 46 of the annular flange 43 of the tubular insert 38of this invention can be provided with an annular projection means 47that extends outwardly from the surface means 44 thereof and is adaptedto dig into the internal surface means 45 of the tubular member 31 tonot only more firmly hold an annular portion 48 of the tubular member 31that surrounds the opening 41 thereof between the annular flange 38 andthe washer-like member 42 in a manner hereinafter set forth so as toprevent the joint construction 37 from working out of the opening 41 ofthe tubular member 31, but also to effectively seal the tubular insert38 to the internal peripheral surface 45 of the tubular member 31 so asto provide a substantially fluid-tight joint therewith.

The tubular insert 38 of this invention has a stepped substantiallycylindrical body portion 49 that extends outwardly from the annularflange 43 and has a cylindrical opening 50 passing therethrough so as tofluidly interconnect the interior of the tubular member 31 to thetubular member 34.

The stepped body portion 49 of the tubular insert 38 of this inventiondefines an annular shoulder 51 between a larger body portion 52 thereofand a smaller body portion 53 thereof which is adapted to betelescopically received within the end 35 of the tubular member 34 asillustrated and have the end surface 54 thereof abut against theshoulder 51 as illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3.

If desired, the end 40 of the tubular insert 38 of this invention can beprovided with an annular projection means 55 that will dig into or beforced into the internal peripheral surface 56 of the tubular member 34to assist in the securement of the end 35 thereof on the end 40 of thetubular insert 38.

In addition, a suitable and conventional annular clamping means 35' canbe disposed around the end 35 of the tubular member 34 intermediate theshoulder 51 and annular bead 55 on the tubular member 38 to assist inholding the end 35 of the tubular member 34 on the end 40 of the tubularinsert 38.

However, it is to be understood that other means can be utilized tosecure the end 35 of the tubular member 34 on the end 40 of the tubularinsert 38. For example, the same may be clamped, crimped, cemented,etc., onto the end 40 as desired. Also, while the end 35 of the tubularmember 34 is disposed in telescoping relation on the end 40 of theinsert 38, it is to be understood that the end 40 could be soconstructed and arraged that the end 35 of the tubular member 34 couldbe secured internally in the opening 50 thereof in any manner that iswell known in the art.

The enlarged body portion 52 of the tubular insert 38 of this inventionis formed with external threads 57 beginning at the shoulder 51 thereoffor threadedly receiving an internally threaded nut 58 for compactingthe washer-like member 42 toward the annular flange 43 of the tubularinsert 38 in a manner hereinafter set forth as well as for holding thewasher-like member 42 in its compacting relation.

The washer-like member 42, in a manner similar to the tubular insert 38,has opposed ends 59 and 60 through which a cylindrical opening 61extends so that the washer-like member 42 can be telescopically disposedonto the body portion 52 of the tubular insert 38 and be axially movablethereon.

The end 59 of the washer-like member 42 comprises an annular flange 62having a surface means 63 which is adapted to engage and mate with theexternal peripheral surface means 64 of the tubular member 31 which alsodefines a substantially circular transverse cross-sectionalconfiguration thereof whereby the annular flange 62 of the washer-likemember 42 is also substantially saddle-shaped as illustrated in FIGS.1-4.

If desired, the annular flange 62 of the washer-like member 42 can beprovided with an annular projection means 65 that extends outwardly fromthe surface means 63 thereof to dig into the external peripheral surface64 of the portion 48 of the tubular member 31 that is disposed betweenthe annular flanges 43 and 62 of the tubular insert 38 and thewasher-like member 42 as illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3 to not only firmlyhold and trap that portion 48 of the tubular member 31 therebetween toprevent the joint construction 37 from being pulled out of the opening41 thereof, but also to effectively seal the internal peripheral surface45 of the tubular member 31 to the tubular insert 38 so as to provide asubstantially fluid-tight joint therewith.

The nut 58, when threaded on the threaded portion 57 of the tubularinsert 38 in a direction to engage against an outer surface 66 of theend 60 of the washer-like member 42 as illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3,will cause the washer-like member 42 to be axially moved on the tubularinsert 38 toward the end 39 thereof to mechanically clamp the portion 48of the tubular member 31 between the annular flanges 43 and 62 of thetubular insert 38 and washer-like member 42 to the desired degree tofirmly secure the joint construction 37 in the opening 41 of the tubularmember 31 for the reasons previously set forth.

Therefore, it can be seen that the various parts of this invention forforming not only the branched hose construction 30, but also for formingthe joint construction 37 thereof, can be made in a relatively simplemanner to make the branched hose construction 30 by the method of thisinvention which is now to be described.

When it is desired to make a branched hose construction 30 of thisinvention, the opening 41 is formed in any suitable manner through oneside of the tubular member 31, such as by punching, etc., and is formedof a size that will readily permit the end 39 of the tubular insert 38to be worked therethrough and have the body portion 49 of the tubularinsert 38 extend out of the opening 41 in close relation thereto whilethe surface means 44 of the annular flange 43 fully mates with theinternal peripheral surface 45 of the tubular member 31. Thereafter, thewasher-like member 42 is telescoped onto the body portion 49 of thetubular insert 38 so that the surface means 63 thereof is adapted toengage against the external peripheral surface 64 of the tubular member31. The nut 58 is then threaded onto the threaded portion 57 of thetubular insert 38 and is turned in a direction to compact against theend surface 66 of the washer-like member 42 and force the washer-likemember 42 toward the annular flange 43 of the tubular insert 38 to fullycompact and compress the portion 48 of the tubular member 31 between theannular flanges 43 and 62 of the tubular insert 38 and washer-likemember 42 to effectively provide a fluid-tight joint therewith aspreviously described. Thereafter, the end 35 of the tubular member 34 isdisposed on the end 40 of the tubular insert 38 and is secured theretoby the clamping means 35' in the manner previously described.

Thus, it can be seen that the branched hose construction 30 of thisinvention can be formed by the method of this invention in a relativelysimple and effective manner to provide a branched hose construction 30for conveying fluid between the tubular members 31 and 34 for purposeswell known in the art whereby the operation of the branched hoseconstruction 30 need not be further described.

While the annular flanges 43 and 62 of the tubular insert 38 andwasher-like member 42 of this invention have been previously describedas merely mechanically clamping the portion 48 of the tubular member 31therebetween by the restraining nut 58, it is to be understood that asuitable adhesive means can be used on the surface means 44 and 63 ofthe respective annular flanges 43 and 62 to assist in the securement ofthe portion 48 therebetween. In addition, while the annular flanges 43and 62 have been respectively illustrated and described as havingannular continuous projection means 47 and 65 on the respective surfacemeans 44 and 63 thereof, it is to be understood that such projectionmeans 47 and 65 could be eliminated or such annular projection means 47and 65 could comprise a plurality of dimples or teeth disposed in anannular fashion about the flanges 43 and 62 for the previously describedsecurement purposes.

Also, it is to be understood that the tubular insert 38 could beprovided with suitable structure that can be readily held during thetightening operation on the nut 58 in order to prevent the tubularinsert 38 from turning relative to the tubular member 31 during the nuttightening operation. For example, two slots (not shown) can be formedon the inside diameter of the tubular insert 38 that would mate withsuitable structure on a special pneumatic torque wrench that would beutilized for tightening the nut 58 on the tubular insert 38.

It can be seen that it is relatively easy to disassemble the branchedhose construction 30 of this invention by merely removing the tubularmember 34 from the end 40 of the tubular insert 38, backing off the nut58 so that the washer-like member 42 can be untelescoped from thetubular insert 38, and then work the tubular insert 31 out of theopening 41 without destroying the tubular member 31, the tubular member34, or the parts 42 and 38 of this joint construction 37 in the event ofimproper preparation or positioning of the components during fabricationof the branched hose construction 30 or for connecting a differenttubular member to the tubular member 31 as desired.

It is believed that by forming the branched hose construction 30according to the teachings of this invention, the branched hoseconstruction 30 will be of a strength that is at least equal to theweakest tubular member 31 or 34 thereof and eliminates the requirementof injection molding polymeric material around a metal tube whichpenetrates the main tubular member wall and which connects to thebranched hose as set forth in the aforementioned magazine article of theDecember 1983 issue of Automotive Elastomers and Design, such priorknown method being believed to require expensive processing equipmentand being highly dependent on hose preparation and positioning of theinsert prior to molding. Thus, improper preparation or positioning ofcomponents in such prior known method are believed to result inirreversible production or scrap product whereas it is believed that thejoint construction of this invention will eliminate costly processingequipment and virtually eliminate irreversible scrap production for thereasons previously set forth.

Another embodiment of the improved branched hose construction of thisinvention is generally indicated by the reference numeral 30A in FIGS.5-9 and parts thereof similar to the parts of the branched hoseconstruction 30 previously described are indicated by like referencenumerals followed by the reference letter "A".

As illustrated in FIGS. 5-8, it can be seen that the branched hoseconstruction 30A and its associated joint construction 37A issubstantially the same as the branched hose construction 30 and itsassociated joint construction 37 except for the manner of securing thewasher-like member 42A to the tubular insert 38A as well as for theconfiguration of the external peripheral surface 70 of the washer-likemember 42A that tends to blend with the external peripheral surfacemeans 64A of the tubular member 31A as well as with the externalperipheral surface means 71 of the other tubular member 34A asillustrated. In addition, the projection means 65A on the annular flange62A of the washer-like member 42A is outwardly spaced from the opening41A in the tubular member 31A rather than being immediately adjacentthereto as in the washer-like member 42 previously described.

The means for securing the washer-like member 42A in its clampingrelation with the tubular insert 38A comprises a tined washer 72 ofconventional form which has an outer annular substantially flatring-like portion 73 provided with a plurality of inwardly angled teethor tines 74 all of which make a like angle with one side 75 of thewasher 72 for a purpose hereinafter set forth.

The end surface 66A of the washer-like member 42A is interrupted by anannular groove means 76 in which the washer 72 can be received and haveits outer peripheral surface 73' disposed in frictionally slidingengagement with the internal peripheral surface 77 of the washer-likemember 42A that is defined by the groove means 76 as illustrated inFIGS. 7 and 8.

The length of the tines 74 of the washer 72 have been so selected thatthe inward tips 78 of the tines 74 frictionally engage against theexternal peripheral surface 79 of the enlarged body portion 52A of thetubular insert 38A when the washer 72 is telescoped onto the same andpushed downwardly into the groove means 76 of the washer-like member 42Aas illustrated in FIG. 8 whereby the tips 78 of the tines 74 dig intothe external peripheral surface 79 to tend to retard untelescopingmovement of the washer 72 therefrom.

In this manner, when the joint construction 37A is being utilized formaking the branched hose construction 30A, the compacting of thewasher-like member 42A toward the flange 43A of the tubular insert 38Acan take place as a suitable instrument is forcing the washer 72 intothe groove means 76 and against the bottom surface 80 thereof asillustrated in FIG. 8 so that when the desired degree of compression ofthe washer-like member 42A toward the flange 43 of the tubular insert 38is taking place so as to compress the portion 48A of the tubular member31A therebetween, releasing of the compacting pressure on the washer 72causes the washer 72 to remain in its fully compact condition andthereby hold the washer-like member 42A in its fully compacted conditionthrough the action of the tines 74 having their ends 78 digging into theexternal peripheral surface 49 of the tubular member 38A while the outerperipheral edge 73' of the washer 72 is being held frictionally againstthe surface 77 of the washer-like member 42A as illustrated in FIG. 8.

Therefore, it can be seen that it is a relatively simple method of thisinvention to assemble the branched hose construction 30A from the jointconstruction 37A of this invention by the method of this invention aspreviously set forth. Also, it can be seen that it is readily simple todisassemble the branched hose construction 30A by using a suitable toolto bend the tines 74 of the washer 72 in a manner well known in the artso as to release the washer 72 from the tubular insert 38A so that thebranched hose construction can be disassembled in the manner previouslyset forth.

Instead of having the tines 74 on the washer 72, or in addition thereto,it is to be understood that the tine action could be provided by thetubular member 38A rather than by the washer 72 to provide the holdingeffect previously described.

For example, reference is now made to FIGS. 10, 11 and 12 whereinanother embodiment of the improved branched hose construction of thisinvention is generally indicated by the reference numeral 30B and partsthereof that are similar to parts of the hose constructions 30 and 30Apreviously described are indicated by like reference numerals followedby the reference letter "B".

As illustrated in FIGS. 11 and 12, the tubular insert 38B has aplurality of outwardly extending annular tines or serrations 81 on theexternal peripheral surface 79B of the enlarged body portion 52B thereofwith the serrations or tines 81 being angled in a direction toward theannular flange 43B thereof so that the same will trap against the topsurface 75B of the washer 72B when the same is telescoped in a cammingmanner down over the same and against the shoulder surface 80B of thewasher-like member 42B which is formed in the same manner as thewasher-like member 42A previously described.

Thus, the last tine 81 of the tubular insert 38B that is engaged by thetop surface 75B of the washer 72B would determine the amount of thecompression that the washer-like member 42B will apply onto the portion48B of the tubular member 31B that is disposed between the washer-likemember 42B and the annular flange 43B of the tubular insert 38B when thejoint construction 37B is being formed.

In particular, after the tubular insert 38B has been assembled in theopening 41B of the tubular member 31B in the manner previouslydescribed, the washer-like member 42B is telescoped onto the tubularinsert 38B with the opening 51B thereof clearing the tines or serrations81 so that the same will compact against the tubular member 31B asillustrated in FIG. 11. Thereafter, the flat washer 72B is telescopedonto the tubular insert 38B into the groove means 76B and forced pastthe tines 81 in camming manner therewith until the same abuts againstthe shoulder 80B of the washer-like member 42B and then forces thewasher-like member 42B therewith into compressing relation with theportion 48B of the tubular member 31B in the manner previously describeduntil the desired compression is reached so that the last cleared tine81, in the manner illustrated in FIG. 11, firmly holds the washer 72B insuch position and, thus, the portion 48B of the tubular member 31B inthe desired compressed or compacted relation between the washer-likemember 42B and the annular flange 43B of the tubular insert 38B in themanner previously set forth.

Therefore, it can be seen that various fastening means can be utilizedto fasten the washer-like member and the tubular insert of the jointconstructions of this invention together. In fact, such washer-likemembers and their respective tubular inserts could actually be securedtogether in the compacting relation thereof by means other thanfastening means, such as by welding, adhesive means, etc.

For example, such other means for securing together the washer-likemember and the tubular insert of the joint construction of thisinvention for forming a branched hose construction of this invention isillustrated in FIGS. 13-16.

In particular, it can readily be seen in FIGS. 13-16. that anotherembodiment of the improved branched hose construction of this inventionis generally indicated by the reference numeral 30C and the partsthereof that are similar to the parts of the branched hose constructions30, 30A and 30B previously described are indicated by like referencenumerals followed by the reference letter "C".

The joint construction 37C for forming the branched hose construction30C of this invention has the tubular insert 38C thereof formed from asubstantially straight line metallic tubular section with the outer end40C being unchanged and the inner end 39C thereof being defined by theannular flange 43C that comprises a separate washer-like member 42C thatis identical to the washer-like member 42C that is disposed against theouter peripheral surface 64C of the tubular member 31C as illustrated inFIGS. 15 and 16.

In particular, the washer-like members 42C are formed of metallicmaterial and each has an annular body portion 90 provided with a flatside 91, an arcuate or convex side 91' and a substantially circularopening 92 passing centrally therethrough. In fact such washer-likemembers 42C can be conventional metallic grommets that are utilized withcanvas for awnings, tents and the like.

In any event, the end 39C of the tubular insert 38C is outwardly flaredat the reference numeral 93 to define a holding lip 94 which will permitthe inner washer-like member 42C when telescoped onto the tubular insert38C to be held at the end 39C thereof and form the annular flange means43C as illustrated.

The other washer-like member 42C that is also subsequently telescopedonto the tubular insert 38C after the first washer-like member 42C andthe tubular insert 38C have been worked through the opening 41C of thetubular member 31C so as to dispose that flat side 91 of the washer-likemember 42C against the internal peripheral surface 45C of the tubularmember 31C, is compacted against the external peripheral surface 64C ofthe tubular member 31C while holding the tubular member 38C in anysuitable manner so that the movement of the outer washer-like member 42Ctoward the inner washer-like member 42C compacts the portion 48C of thetubular member 31C therebetween as the inner washer-like member 42C isbeing held by the flared lip 94 of the tubular insert 38C. When theouter washer-like member 42C has been compacted toward the innerwasher-like member 42C the desired amount, the outer washer-like member42C is welded to the tubular insert 38C by the weld means that isindicated by the reference numeral 95 in FIGS. 13, 14 and 15.

The compacting of the outer washer-like member 42C toward the innerwasher-like member 42C with the flat sides 91 thereof respectivelyfacing the external peripheral surface means 64C and internal peripheralsurface means 45C of the tubular member 31C causes the portion 48Cthereof to be reshaped into substantially the flat arrangement asillustrated in the drawings in order to provide a substantiallyleak-tight joint between the joint construction 38C and the tubularmember 31C for the reasons previously set forth.

Therefore, it can be seen that it is a relatively simple method of thisinvention to form the joint construction 37C for making the branchedhose construction 30C by first merely telescoping one of the washer-likemembers 42C onto the tubular insert 38C and working that washer-likemember 42C and the flared end 39C of the tubular insert 38C through theopening 41C of the tubular member 31C. (Of course, such washer-likemember 42C could be secured to the flared end 39C of the tubular insert38C if desired.) Thereafter, the other washer-like member 42C istelescoped onto the tubular insert 38C so as to have its flat side 91disposed against the external peripheral surface 64C of the tubularmember 31C and through suitable means holding the tubular insert 38Cfixed relative to the tubular member 31C while compacting or compressingthe outer washer-like member 42C toward the inner washer-like member 42Cso as to compress the portion 48C of the tubular member 31C therebetweenthe desired amount, the outer washer-like member 42C is then welded tothe tubular insert 38C to secure the same thereto. After such weld means95 has been hardened so that the outer washer-like member 42C is heldfirmly in place, the other tubular member 34C can be secured on the end40C of the tubular insert 38C in any suitable manner whereby theresulting joint construction 37C provides the branched hose construction30C previously described.

While the various branched hose constructions of this invention aspreviously described each has the tubular insert thereof extendingoutwardly from its receiving tubular member at a right angle relativethereto, it is to be understood that each tubular insert can be soformed that the same is angled relative to its receiving tubular memberat any desired angle relative thereto for making a branched hoseconstruction having a particular configuration thereof.

For example, another improved branched hose construction of thisinvention is generally indicated by the reference numeral 30D in FIGS.17 and 18 and has the joint construction 37D thereof interconnecting atubular member 31D that is molded in the particular configurationillustrated in FIG. 17 to the other tubular member 34D that is alsomolded in the particular configuration illustrated in FIG. 17, the jointconstruction 37D having the tubular insert 38D thereof angled from thetubular member 31D so that the same does not extend out of the opening41D at a right angle relative thereto.

The parts of the branched hose construction 30D and the jointconstruction 37D thereof that are similar to the parts of the otherbranched hose constructions and joint constructions of this inventionare indicated by like reference numerals followed by the referenceletter "D" and it can be seen that the joint construction 37D issubstantially the same as the joint construction 37A previouslydescribed except that the shapes of the tubular insert 38D and thecooperating washer-like member 42D therefore have been changed toprovide for the particular angled relationship between the tubularinsert 38D and the portion 48D of the tubular member 31D that is heldbetween the annular flange means 43D and 62D of the tubular insert 38Dand washer-like member 42D. However, the method of making the jointconstruction 37D is substantially the same as the method of making thejoint construction 37A previously described and therefore will not berepeated.

Also, while the branched hose constructions of this invention have beenpreviously described as having only one branch to the main branchthereof, it is to be understood that a plurality of branches could beinterconnected to a single branch by the joint constructions of thisinvention.

For example, reference is now made to FIG. 19 wherein another improvedbranched hose construction of this invention is generally indicated bythe reference numeral 30E and it can be seen that two branches 34E ofdifferent molded configurations are interconnected to the tubular member31E that has its own molded configuration by respective jointconstructions 37E of this invention, the joint constructions 37E beingany one of the joint constructions of this invention previouslydescribed or a combination thereof as desired.

Another improved branched hose construction 30F of this invention isillustrated in FIG. 20 and has the joint construction 37Finterconnecting the main tubular member 31F having one moldedconfiguration to the branch tubular member 34F having its own particularmolded configuration.

Therefore, it can be seen that various shapes can be provided for thetubular members of this invention and the same can still be joinedtogether by a joint construction of this invention to form a branchedhose construction of this invention in any of the manners previously setforth as the tubular insert and its cooperating washer-like member canbe readily shaped to produce the branched hose construction in itsdesired shape.

Therefore, it can be seen that this invention not only provides animproved branched hose construction and method of making the same, butalso this invention provides an improved joint construction and tubularinsert therefor as well as improved methods of making the branched hoseconstruction, the joint construction and the tubular insert therefor.

While the forms and methods of this invention now preferred have beenillustrated and described as required by the Patent Statute, it is to beunderstood that other forms and method steps can be utilized and stillfall within the scope of the appended claims wherein each claim setsforth what is believed to be known in each claim prior to this inventionin the portion of each claim that is disposed before the terms "theimprovement" and sets forth what is believed to be new in each claimaccording to this invention in the portion of each claim that isdisposed after the terms "the improvement" whereby it is believed thateach claim sets forth a novel, useful and unobvious invention within thepurview of the Patent Statute.

What is claimed is:
 1. In a combination comprising a first tubularmember provided with opposed ends and with an opening thereinintermediate said opposed ends thereof, and a joint constructioncomprising a tubular insert provided with opposed ends for joining oneend of a second tubular member to said opening by having one end of saidtubular insert disposed through said opening and the other end thereofbeing adapted to be interconnected to said one end of said secondtubular member whereby said tubular members would be in fluidcommunication with each other through said tubular insert and saidsecond tubular member would branch outwardly from said first tubularmember, said one end of said tubular insert comprising an annularflange, said joint construction comprising securing means and awasher-like member telescoped and secured on said tubular insert by saidsecuring means at a distance to said annular flange that causes saidwasher-like member to cooperate with said annular flange of said tubularinsert and mechanically clamp said first tubular member therebetweencompletely around said opening thereof, the improvement wherein saidsecuring means comprises welding means and said washer-like member andsaid annular flange are identical to each other.
 2. A combination as setforth in claim 1 wherein said washer-like member and said annular flangeeach comprises a metallic grommet.
 3. A combination as set forth inclaim 1 wherein said annular flange is separate from said tubular insertand is interconnected thereto.
 4. A combination as set forth in claim 1wherein said first tubular member has an internal surface means, saidannular flange having a surface means facing and engaging said internalsurface means of said first tubular member.
 5. A combination as setforth in claim 4 wherein said internal surface means of said firsttubular member has a substantially circular transverse cross-sectionalconfiguration.
 6. A combination as set forth in claim 5 wherein saidsurface means of said annular flange is generally planar and reshapessaid internal surface means of said first tubular member to also begenerally planar where said surface means of said annular flange engagessaid internal surface means of said first tubular member.
 7. Acombination as set forth in claim 1 wherein said first tubular memberhas an external surface means, said washer-like member having a surfacemeans facing and engaging said external surface means of said firsttubular member.
 8. A combination as set forth in claim 7 wherein saidexternal surface means of said first tubular member has a substantiallycircular transverse cross-sectional configuration.
 9. A combination asset forth in claim 8 wherein said surface means of said washer-likemember is generally planar and reshapes said external surface means ofsaid first tubular member to also be generally planar where said surfacemeans of said washer-like member engages said external surface means ofsaid first tubular member.